County Acquiring Firehawk Helicopter

In response to the destructive wildfires in Los Angeles this January, the County is further strengthening the region's aerial resources with the purchase of a firefighting helicopter.

The Sikorsky S70 Firehawk adds to the region's fleet of 12 firefighting helicopters and planes serving the region to protect residents. It will substantially improve day and night firefighting response.

The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to buy the helicopter for San Diego County Fire and upgrade it to accommodate a full crew for firefighting and rescues missions.

The Firehawk will be able to fly at night, which can be a vital first line of attack. It carries up to 1,000 gallons of water and will have a hoist for rescues, according to County Fire Director Jeff Collins.

This helicopter is a big investment in the County's firefighting capabilities, it flies faster and longer and drops more water than smaller helicopters, said CAL FIRE/County Fire Chief Tony Mecham. It is the same model used by CAL FIRE since 2018, and City of San Diego as well as in Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Last year, the County's existing helicopter made 1,400 water drops on wildfires and rescued 159 people in San Diego County.

Through a partnership, the County will provide the helicopter and CAL FIRE will provide staffing, maintenance, fuel and training at an estimated in-kind value of $5.5 million annually.

Once purchased, the helicopter will need to be outfitted with specific firefighting equipment and seating for a full crew. It will be ready to respond next fall. In the interim, CAL FIRE can provide a reserve helicopter to the region in the spring as a temporary asset.